When we think about love, we often imagine it as a beautiful, spontaneous spark that just happens to us, like a sudden ray of sunshine through the clouds. We wait for that magical feeling to sweep us off our feet, believing that if we just stay still, love will find us and everything will be effortless. But Samantha Bruce-Benjamin reminds us of a much deeper, more grounded truth when she says that love is not a volunteer thing. This means that true, lasting love isn't something we just sign up for when it's convenient or easy; it is a continuous, active choice that requires our presence, our patience, and our willingness to show up even when the magic feels a little bit dim.

In our everyday lives, this shows up in the small, unglamorous moments that happen between the big milestones. It is easy to love someone when they are being wonderful, when the sun is shining, and when everything is going according to plan. But the real substance of love is found in the moments that require effort. It is found in the decision to listen when you are exhausted, to be kind when you are frustrated, and to stay committed when life gets messy and complicated. Love is a verb, a series of intentional actions that we perform day after day, long after the initial excitement has settled into a steady rhythm.

I remember a time when I was feeling quite overwhelmed with my own little tasks, and a dear friend of mine was going through a very difficult season of grief. There were no grand gestures or cinematic moments involved. Instead, love looked like me bringing over a warm meal, sitting in silence while they cried, and remembering to check in on them three weeks later when everyone else had moved on. It wasn't a sudden burst of inspiration that drove me to do those things; it was a quiet, steady decision to be there. It was the choice to step out of my comfort zone and into their heaviness, proving that love is a commitment to stay, even when the scenery isn't pretty.

As you move through your week, I want to encourage you to look closely at the relationships in your life. Instead of waiting for a feeling to strike you, try looking for small ways to practice the art of choosing love. Ask yourself how you can show up more intentionally for the people who matter most to you. Whether it is a kind text, a moment of undivided attention, or a helping hand, remember that these small, deliberate acts are the very bricks that build a lasting foundation of affection and trust.